If Saved, Barely Saved?

I grew up in a religious tradition that strongly opposed the doctrine of “once saved, always saved.”  This is the false idea espoused by many religious groups that once you are saved, nothing can happen that will ever jeopardize that salvation.  My own study of the Bible has only confirmed what I was taught earlier in life.  While “once saved, always saved” has a comforting ring to it, it contradicts much of what is said in the Scriptures regarding salvation.  Numerous verses in the New Testament affirm the possibility of falling away from the faith (cf. Luke 8:13; 1 Timothy 4:1; Hebrews 3:12; 6:4-6).  Why all the encouragements and warnings to endure in the faith if it was impossible to do otherwise (cf. Matthew 10:22; 2 Timothy 2:12; Revelation 2:10)?

            But the strong effort to push back against the idea of “once saved, always saved” has resulted, in some cases, in an equally unbiblical idea: “if saved, barely saved.”  Showing that salvation can be lost has caused some otherwise faithful believers to doubt their own security as a follower of Christ.  “With all of my failings, how could God ever love and save me?”  “I haven’t done enough.”  “I’m not good enough.”  The sense is that any slip-up negates our standing with God.  And yet, the Bible also clearly teaches that the faithful disciple can be sure of their salvation (cf. 1 John 5:13; John 10:27-29; Romans 8:38-39).

            “If saved, barely saved” is just as unbiblical as “once saved, always saved.”  The truth is found in between the two competing ideas.  If our faith remains in God, even in the midst of our stumbling and failing, we are eternally secure.  But if we surrender or renounce our faith, then we willingly put ourselves out of the range of God’s security.  God has given us the choice to accept or reject him.  Our eternal security is tied to which road we choose to travel.  And each road offers the opportunity to change course.

 

God loves you!

Mike